Marine HVAC

Air and water balancing on ships — from new builds to retrofitted vessels. Many years of experience at sea.

HVAC expertise for the maritime sector

IM Service has many years of experience with HVAC systems in the maritime sector. We perform balancing of air and water systems on all types of vessels, from ferries and container ships to special-purpose vessels and offshore support ships. Our technicians work efficiently under the unique conditions at sea. We participate in commissioning during new builds, and we optimize existing systems during conversions and modernizations. The result is reliable climate systems that perform under all sailing conditions.

All types of vessels

We work across the maritime sector: cruise ships, ferries, container ships, tankers, offshore support vessels, cable layers and purpose-built research ships. Each vessel has its own configuration, its own class requirements and its own constraints. We know the differences and adapt our work accordingly. On a cruise ship with thousands of passengers, the climate system must handle large load variations from deck to deck. On a container ship, the focus is on engine rooms and crew quarters. On an offshore support vessel, the systems must perform reliably in harsh North Sea weather. We have done it before — on all of them.

COVID-19 ventilation retrofits

During the pandemic, IM Service helped shipping companies adapt the ventilation systems on older vessels so they could continue operating under tightened health requirements. We reviewed existing systems, increased the proportion of fresh air, installed supplementary filtration and separated air zones to minimize cross-contamination between cabins and common areas. These conversions were carried out under tight schedules — often while ships were in port between voyages. The experience gave us a deep understanding of how older ship ventilation can be upgraded quickly and effectively, even when requirements change at short notice.

We work where the ship is

Maritime HVAC demands flexibility. Ships are built at yards in Europe and Asia. Conversions happen in dry dock or during operation. Commissioning often takes place during sea trials. Our technicians travel to wherever the job is — and work under the conditions that apply on board. We are accustomed to short mobilization times, shifting time zones and work in tight engine rooms with limited access.

What we offer

Air Balancing

Precise balancing of ventilation systems to ensure air volumes and pressures are correctly distributed throughout the vessel.

Water Balancing

Balancing of cooling and heating systems to ensure water volumes are correctly distributed to all consumption points on board.

HVAC Commissioning

Complete commissioning of climate systems during new builds, including testing, balancing and documentation.

Retrofit Optimization

Optimization of existing HVAC systems during conversions to ensure better performance and lower energy consumption.

New Build Support

Advisory and technical support during ship construction, from design to delivery.

Marine Compliance

Ensuring all HVAC installations comply with maritime class rules and flag state requirements.